Silicone Waxes
3 grades
Manta silicone waxes include alkyl-modified and polyether-modified silicone materials developed to provide structure, glide, emollience and formulation support. Depending on the grade, they may function as oil-phase structuring agents, texture modifiers, co-emulsifiers, foam stabilizers or sensory enhancers. These products are used in lipsticks, lip balms, creams, lotions, cleansers, body washes, hair care and color cosmetics. Different grades vary in melting point, solubility, alkyl chain length and compatibility with oils, water or surfactant systems. Product selection should consider the required processing temperature, texture, pay-off, spreadability and stability of the final formulation.
Grade Comparison
| Grade | INCI | Appearance | Melting point (°C) | Viscosity (cSt, 25 °C) | Solubility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W330 | PEG-17 Dimethicone | Milky white semi-solid | W330: 33–40 · W330A: 40–46 · W330B: 33–40 | — | — |
| W340-25 | Cetearyl Methicone | White waxy solid | 30~40 | — | — |
| W341 | Cetyl Dimethicone | Colorless to pale yellow liquid | — | 20 - 100 | Insoluble in water, soluble in organic oils and silicones |
Typical properties from product TDS; not specification limits.
How to Choose
Solubility is the first filter, not the last
W330 (PEG-17 Dimethicone) is a water-soluble polyether wax supplied as a milky semi-solid. W341 (Cetyl Dimethicone) is the opposite: a liquid at room temperature, insoluble in water and soluble in organic oils and silicones. W340-25 (Cetearyl Methicone) is a waxy solid for the oil phase. Deciding which phase the material belongs in rules out two of the three grades immediately.
Melting point has to fit your process window
W340-25 melts at 30–40 °C and W330 at 33–46 °C depending on grade, so both need an oil phase warm enough to melt them cleanly. W341 is already liquid and can be added without heating — which is what you want when the formula carries heat-sensitive actives.
Structure or sensory?
The two solid grades contribute structure and body as well as glide; the liquid grade contributes glide and gloss without building structure. If a stick or balm is slumping, a liquid alkyl silicone will not fix it — you need a structurant.
All Silicone Waxes Grades
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